Constant success shows us but one side of the world; adversity brings out the reverse of the picture.

True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.

Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity himself, than straight forward and simple integrity in another.

The soundest argument will produce no more conviction in an empty head than the most superficial declamation; as a feather and a guinea fall with equal velocity in a vacuum.

The art of declamation has been sinking in value from the moment that speakers were foolish enough to publish, and hearers wise enough to read.

None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them; such persons covet secrets as a spendthrift covets money, for the purpose of circulation.

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.

Let those who would affect singularity with success first determine to be very virtuous, and they will be sure to be very singular.

Atheism is a system which can communicate neither warmth nor illumination, except from those fagots which your mistaken zeal has lighted up for its destruction.

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.

The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.

The first requisite for immortality is death.

No mirror keeps its glances.

People think I'm talking like I'm in perfect health, but I have all the infirmities for my age. I have arthritis and all those things. But if you keep moving, that won't bother you.

I'm also pretty impressive when I'm shoving the neck of a lute into someone's chest cavity.

My advice to you concerning applause is this: enjoy it but never quite believe it

The moment an inspiring thought enters your heart, appreciate it as a dear guest visiting you that day.

My earliest experiences in meditation were in a context of intensive retreats.

My wife is amazing. She had to know she was getting into a heap of trouble when we met.